'Appa Bon Saek' Gil, First Outing with Son "Sorry My Child Touched Sand for the First Time"

Photo by Channel A variety show 'Appa Bon Saek' capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Gil, a broadcaster and former member of Leessang, revealed his wife and son for the first time.

On the 24th, Gil appeared on Channel A's variety show 'Dad's True Colors' while serving a self-imposed hiatus due to drunk driving, revealing his wife Choi Bo-reum, who is 10 years younger, and their 20-month-old son Ha-eum.

On the broadcast, Gil said, "We registered our marriage without a wedding ceremony and have been living like that. For a month, my wife persuaded me to appear on the show. She said, 'I hope you go out, talk about our family, and show our son,'" explaining his reason for appearing.

He introduced his wife, saying, "My wife is a friend I used to catch crayfish with by a stream in the countryside. She is pure and simple. Her personality is completely different from mine. There is a 10-year age gap between us."

Gil's wife, Choi Bo-reum, said in an interview with the production team, "Around 2016, we had a formal meeting between families and were looking for a wedding hall, but it didn’t work out. We decided, 'Let's just eat together as a family and live quietly.'"

She then shared a story about how difficult it was due to people's eyes around them. Choi Bo-reum said, "When I was heavily pregnant, I really wanted to eat Sundaeguk (Korean blood sausage soup), so I drove a bit far. But people said bad things. I couldn’t even eat the Sundaeguk and left," adding, "That was so heartbreaking that I cried in front of the restaurant."

Choi Bo-reum said she watched over Gil, who was struggling, the whole time. She said, "I could feel a bright person becoming more and more worn out, crying alone and feeling sorry for me. I also had feelings of hurt and a lot of worry," and confessed, "There was nothing I could do but wait."

She added, "I decided to live quietly, but I felt depressed because I couldn’t meet my friends. Even when they contacted me, I didn’t see them."

That day, Gil revealed his daily life spent with his son Ha-eum. Gil said he quit all broadcasting and spent time at home, so he was with his child. Gil skillfully changed Ha-eum’s diaper and fed him, showing his responsibility in childcare.

Gil went on his first outing with Ha-eum. Seeing Ha-eum curiously touching the sand, Gil said, "The baby has never been to the sea or riverside with me, so he didn’t know sand. Today was the first time he touched it. I felt sorry about that."

Then, Gil’s mother and aunt came to the outing place. Seeing Gil and Ha-eum playing, Gil’s mother said, "I’m so happy that I’m crying. I lived so painfully, so you must have had a hard time," and urged, "Don’t do bad things anymore. You’ve lived half your life as you wanted, so live the rest of your life serving others and sincerely."

In response, Gil said, "I felt embarrassed, ashamed, and many emotions," and promised, "I will be a good son and a good father."